Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual for
INTERMEDIATE
REAR TINE TILLER
SERIES 4
MODEL
ICFR5OO4B
®
MODEL NUMBER EXPLANATION
MODEL DESIGNATION
REAR TINE MODEL
I - Intermediate Size Model
C - Counter Rotating Tines
F - Forward Rotating Tines
R - Rear Tine Type Model
Thank you for buying a SNAPPER Product! Before operating your TILLER, read this manual carefully and pay
particular attention to the "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" on Page 2. Remember that all power
equipment can be dangerous if used improperly. Also keep in mind that SAFETY requires careful use in
accordance with the operating instructions and common sense!
50 - 5 HP Engine (Horse Power) 4 - Series Designation B - Briggs Engine
SERIES DESIGNATION
ENGINE MODEL
ENGINE HP
SNAPPER McDonough, GA., 30253 U.S.A.
COPYRIGHT © 1999
SNAPPER INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
MANUAL No. 7-2130 (REV. 1, 4/30/99)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This powerful machine is capable of amputating hands and feet and can throw objects that can
cause injury and damage! Failure to comply with the following instructions may result in serious injury to the
operator or other persons. The owner of the tiller must understand these instructions and, furthermore, must
allow only persons who understand these instructions to operate tiller. Each person operating the tiller must be
of sound mind and body and must not be under the influence of any substance, which might impair vision,
dexterity, or judgment. If you have any questions pertaining to your tiller which your dealer cannot answer to
your satisfaction, call or write the Customer Service Department at SNAPPER, McDonough, Georgia, 30253.
Phone: (1-800-935-2967).
PROTECTION FOR CHILDREN OPERATIONAL PRECAUTIONS
1. DO NOT allow children in area when tiller is
being operated.
2. DO NOT allow pre-teenage children to operate
tiller.
3. Allow only responsible teenagers or adults with
mature judgment to operate tiller and only under
close supervision.
4. Keep the area clear of all persons, particularly
small children, and pets.
5. Know how to STOP the tiller and disengage the
controls quickly.
PREPARATION
1. Read this manual, get to know where all controls
are located and practice how to use them before
starting for the first time, and at the beginning of
each season. Be thoroughly familiar with the
controls and proper use of the equipment. Pay
attention to Warning and Instructional Decals on
engine and tiller.
2. Never operate tiller without proper guards, drag
shield, plates, safety switches, or other safety
protective devices in place and properly
connected. Inspect to determine that these safety
devices are installed properly, are in good repair,
and operate properly. If the condition or
operation of these devices are questionable, they
must be repaired or replaced before using the
tiller.
3. Thoroughly inspect the area where the tiller is to
be used and remove all stones, sticks, wire,
bones and other foreign objects. Also, note the
location of holes, stumps, and other possible
hazards.
4. DO NOT operate tiller when barefoot or wearing
open sandals. Always wear long pants and
substantial footwear with good traction.
5. Fill fuel tank outdoors and replace fuel cap
before starting engine. Use approved fuel
container. DO NOT smoke near open fuel
container. DO NOT fill fuel tank indoors or when
engine is running. Allow engine to cool for at
least ten minutes before refilling. Wipe off any
spilled fuel before starting engine. DO NOT run
engine indoors.
6. Make sure that clutch is disengaged and
transmission is in neutral (if so equipped) before
starting engine.
1. DO NOT change engine governor settings or
over speed engine.
2. DO NOT put hands or feet near or under rotating
parts.
3. Exercise CAUTION when crossing gravel drives,
walks, or roads, and under any conditions when
tiller is transported. Look behind and use care
when backing.
4. After striking a foreign object or if tiller vibrates
abnormally, STOP the engine, disconnect and
secure spark plug wire away from plug. Inspect
the tiller for any damage and repair the damage.
5. When leaving tiller unattended, disengage clutch,
shift transmission to neutral (if so equipped) and
stop the engine.
6. Before removing debris or cleaning tines,
repairing or inspecting make certain engine,
tines and all moving parts have STOPPED.
Disconnect and secure spark plug wire away
from plug to prevent accidental starting.
7. Exercise CAUTION when changing directions
while operating tiller. DO NOT till in areas where
stability or traction is in doubt.
8. DO NOT overload the machine capacity by
attempting to till too deep at too fast a rate.
9. Be extra careful when tilling hard ground. Use
less tine engagement to maintain control of tiller.
10. Till only in daylight or in good artificial light.
11. Never operate tiller in wet areas. Always be sure
of your footing; keep a firm hold on the handle.
12. Do not operate on slopes
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
1. Keep all nuts, bolts, and screws tight and be sure
tiller is in safe operating condition.
2. Never store tiller with fuel in tank inside of a
building where fumes may reach an open flame
or spark. Allow engine to cool before storing in
any enclosure.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep engine free of spilled
fuel, debris and excessive grease.
4. Have your tiller inspected and serviced each year
by an authorized Snapper dealer. Determine if
any additional devices are available which might
upgrade the safety of your tiller.
5. Factory specified Snapper replacement parts
must be used to assure adequate protection
against injury.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................ 3
SECTION 1 - FAMILIARIZATION .............................................................. 4
SECTION 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS ......................................... 5-6
Transmission Positions ............................................................... 5
Pre-Start Checklist ........................................................................ 5
Starting & Stopping ................................................................... 5-6
Handlebar Adjustment .................................................................. 6
Transporting .................................................................................. 6
Tilling Procedure ........................................................................... 6
SECTION 3 - ADJUSTMENTS & REPAIR ............................................. 7-9
Service Parts & Assistance .......................................................... 7
Standing Tiller On End ................................................................. 7
Tiller Lubrication ........................................................................... 7
Tiller Tines ..................................................................................... 8
Belt Adjustment & Replacement .................................................. 8
Off Season Storage ....................................................................... 9
Tine Replacement ......................................................................... 9
WARRANTY ............................................................................................ 10
PRIMARY MAINTENANCE ................................................................ 11-14
NOTES .................................................................................................... 15
Section 1 - FAMILIARIZATION
CLUTCH
CABLE
COVER
DASH
PANEL
DEPTH
BAR
HANDLE_
BRACKET
TINE
COVER
HANDLEBAR
WHEEL&TINE
CONTROL BAIL
_WHEEL & TINE
SHIFT LEVER
SHIFT COVER
O
SPEED CONTROL
LEFT SIDE SHOWN TO
VIEW CHECK PLUG
ENGINE AIR FILTER
CONTROL
MAIN CASE GR
CHECK PLUG
ENGINE
DRIVE
BELT
GUARD
DRAG
MAIN CASE
FILL PLUG
TINE
STARTER ROPE,
TIRE & WHEEL. TRANSMISSION STAND-UP
CHAIN CASE BAR
ENGINE OIL
CHECK/FILL
PLUG
OIL DRAIN
PLUG
WEIGHT
BOX
FIGURE 1
1.1
INTRODUCTION: This manual covers the recommended operating procedure and routine service
requirements on SNAPPER Intermediate Rear Tine Tiller. It is recommended that all operators of this Tiller
become thoroughly familiar with the controls and proper operation of the unit before operating. Specific
details involving the engine are found in the separate engine owner's manual. Study these manuals before
operating and keep both handy for future reference. Refer to Figure 1 above for location of controls and
other essential components.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1 BEFORE OPERATING:
Be thoroughly familiar with the operation of ALL controls and
how to use them BEFORE operating your Tiller.
Transmission shifting is done by shifting the WHEEL and
TINE SHIFT LEVER into the desired position. See Figure 3.
2.1.1 TRANSMISSION POSITIONS: The tiller has five
different transmission positions. They are as viewed from
the operator's position, viewed from the left to right as
follows:
1. FWD & FWD TIL - (Forward Rotating Wheels and
Forward Rotating Tines are engaged).
2. FWD & REV TIL - (Forward Rotating Wheels and
Reverse Rotating Tines are engaged).
3. FWD - (Forward Rotating Wheels are engaged).
4. NEU - (Wheels and Tines are disengaged).
5. REV - (Reverse RotatingWheels).
2.2 PRE-START CHECKLIST
Make the following checks and perform services as required
before each start up. NOTE: Before checking oil level place
2x4 piece of wood under both wheels to level engine.
2.2.1 CHECK ENGINE OIL and bring level up to full. (Refer
to engine manual for oil specifications).
2.2.2 CHECK AIR CLEANER and service according to
instructions in engine manual.
2.2.3 CHECK EXTERNAL SURFACES and remove dirt
and dust accumulation and clean tines as needed.
2.2.4 CHECK GUARDS to make sure all are in proper
position and securely tightened.
2.2.5 FILL FUEL TANK where fumes will be safely
dissipated. Refer to engine manual for fuel specifications.
When the wheel and tine control is activated, the tines
rotate in a rearward or forward direction. With the engine
running, shift into the desired transmission position and
pull the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL against the
handle bar to start wheel or wheel and tine rotation.
Wheel or wheel and tine rotation is STOPPED by
releasing the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL. When
the bail is released, rotation should STOP even with the
WHEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in an engaged
position. See Figures 3 and 4.
WHEEL & TINE CONTROL
FWD &_._ EV
FWD TILL
FWD &
REV TILL
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS IN OPERATOR'S MANUAL
SHIFTING MAY REQUIRE
PARTIALLY ENGAGING CLUTCH BAIL
FIGURE 3
2.3 STARTING - STOPPING
Know beforehand how to stop the tines, wheel drive and
engine in preparation for possible emergencies. The engine
is stopped by pulling the engine SPEED CONTROL to the
rear to OFF. See Figure 2.
STOP
\
ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL
FIGURE 2
TO STOP
WHEEL & TINE
DRIVE RELEASE
WHEEL & TINE
CONTROL B_L
FIGURE 4
2.4 ENGINE STARTING PROCEDURE
Step 1: Place the WHEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in
the NEUTRAL position and make sure the WHEEL and
TINE CONTROL BAIL is in the released position.
Step 2: For cold starts, move the CHOKE CONTROL
on the engine forward into CHOKE position.
See Figure 5.
Section 2 - OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.6 TRANSPORTING
PUSH FORWARD
TO CHOKE
\
LEVER
FIGURE 5
Step 3: Move ENGINE SPEED CONTROL to FAST
position.
Step 4: Move to the right side of Tiller and place your
foot on top of the right wheel (See starting procedure
decal located on top of the tine cover), hold handle bar,
then pull the ROPE STARTER HANDLE in smooth,
steady motion until the engine starts. To prolong the life
of the rope, guide the handle back to the engine rather
than allowing it to snap back.
2.6.1 FORWARD/REVERSE: To transport the
Tiller to a new tilling site using its own power, raise
the tines to clear lawn and paved surfaces to
prevent gouging. Release the WHEEL and TINE
CONTROL BAIL and lift the rear of the Tiller to take
the weight off the DEPTH BAR (see Figure 7), then
push the DEPTH BAR downward into notch setting
that allows the tines to clear the ground surface.
Place the WHEEL and TINE SHIFT LEVER in FWD
or REV. Pull the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL
BAIL back against the handlebar to engage the
wheel drive and transport the unit.
2.6.2 To transport the Tiller to a new tilling site by
pushing it, place the WHEEL and TINE SHIFT
LEVER in the NEUTRAL position, and with the bail
released, push the unit with the handle bar. The
Tiller may be pushed with the engine running or
shut off.
ADJUST UP OR
DOWN TO
DESIRED
TILLING DEPTH
TILL
DEEP
TILL
DEPTH
Step 5: Allow a brief warm-up period, then move the
CHOKE CONTROL rearward to RUN POSITION and the
ENGINE SPEED CONTROL to the desired speed
setting. Refer to the tilling procedure column on this
page.
Step 6: To STOP the engine, pull the ENGINE SPEED
CONTROL on engine rearward into OFF position.
2.5 HANDLE BAR ADJUSTMENT
Remove retaining screw and nut from handle bar
bracket. Adjust handle bar "UP" or "DOWN" as required.
Reinstall screw and nut. See Figure 6.
LOW
MEDIUM
REMOVE
SCREW TO
ADJUS1
HANDLEBAR
HANDLE
HIGH
PULL SPRING
BACK TO
RELEASE
TENSION
FIGURE 7
2.7 TILLING PROCEDURE
Tines are engaged ONLY when the WHEEL and TINE
SHIFT LEVER is in the FWD & FWD TIL or FWD & REV
TIL position and the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL BAIL is
held against the handle bar.
STEP 1: Set HANDLE BAR in desired position before
beginning operation.
STEP 2: Set DEPTH BAR to desired position. Highest
position is deepest depth. See Figure 7.
STEP3: Move the ENGINE SPEED CONTROL to
desired setting.
STEP 4" To start TILLING action, move the WHEEL and
TINE SHIFT LEVER to the FWD & FWD TIL or FWD
REV TIL position.
STEPS: Engage the WHEEL and TINE CONTROL.
Machine will start forward movement and tilling.
FIGURE 6
IMPORTANT: To STOP forward movement and tine
rotation, release the wheel and tine control.